Cuticle pusher

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a manicurist tool comprising a body, a first end, and a second end, the body comprising one or more gel pads integral with the body, the gel pads having a shape adapted to promote an optimal ergonomic position for fingers of a user of the manicurist tool, the first end comprising an attached cuticle pushing tip comprising flexible sides, the cuticle pushing tip attached to a spring assembly removably attached to the body, the cuticle pushing tip constructed of a polymeric material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed invention relates to implements used by manicurists and pedicurists and especially implements used to push nail cuticles.

Known cuticle pushers used by manicurists and pedicurists typically are constructed of stainless steel (or another rigid material) and comprise a stainless steel (or another rigid material) head or tip. Due to its inherent rigidity, the stainless steel head is not designed to follow the natural contour of the nail. Thus, the user must frequently adjust the position of the head and manipulate the handle of the implement in order to have the head reach and come in contact with the entire surface of the cuticle. Additionally, the rigidity of the stainless steel implement has the potential to injure the cuticle and nail as the user exerts a variable force on the head. Prolonged handling and adjustment of the relatively thin handle body of known cuticle pushers can induce stress and strain on the user. Prolonged use of such implements can result in repetitive motion injuries, repetitive stress injuries, occupational overuse syndrome due to repetition, forceful exertion, mechanical compression (pressing against a hard surface), or sustained awkward position. It is desirable to provide an improved cuticle pusher that overcomes the drawbacks of known cuticle pushers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is an improved cuticle pusher implement which comprises a combination of ergonomic features for user comfort and functionality enhancement features which can improve overall efficiency in performing manicures and pedicures while enhancing customer comfort during the cuticle pushing procedure.

Thus, per the preferred embodiment, provided is a cuticle pusher comprising a body comprising one or more spaced gel pads shaped for improved grip of the body as well as for promoting an ergonomically-correct position for the fingers holding the body during use. One end of the body comprises a removably attached cuticle pushing tip having flexible sides. The cuticle pushing tip is attached to a tensioning spring mechanism removably attached to the body. The spring helps to reduce vibration of the implement during use and also helps to minimize cuticle injury by allowing a gentler and more consistent and controlled application of force on the tip via a forward and backward movement of the implement. The spring mechanism is removably attachable to the body to allow a user to select a spring based on desired spring strength. An important aspect of the improved cuticle pusher is the choice of material of construction for the head of the cuticle pusher that comes in contact with the cuticle. The preferred material is a polymeric material of high strength and flexibility. The polymeric material must be able to withstand repeated disinfection and sterilization in an autoclave without adversely affecting its strength and flexibility. The flexible sides of the cuticle pushing tip flex (or give) as the user manipulates the body of the implement to cause the tip to follow the contour of the nail. The flexing minimizes the amount of manipulation and force that the user must apply during the cuticle pushing procedure. The cuticle pusher is designed for removable attachment of the cuticle pushing tip to allow for sterilization of the tip. For versatility in the design of the disclosed cuticle pusher, the second end of the body of the implement may optionally be adapted for removable attachment of a second tip that is useful to accomplish a function in conjunction with a manicure or pedicure. For purposes of illustration and not limitation the second tip may be another cuticle pushing tip as described above, a nail brush, a nail file, a pencil, or a tip having another functionality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective of the preferred embodiment for a cuticle pusher implement

FIG. 2 is a perspective of the cuticle pusher implement assembled

FIG. 3 is a perspective of end tip.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective of the pushing tip

FIG. 5 shows a user's hand holding the disclosed cuticle pusher

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Per FIG. 1, shown is a manicurist implement having a body 10 comprising one or more integrated gel pads 110 spaced across the body 10. The implement comprises two ends, one end having a flexible polymeric cuticle pushing tip 90 removably attached and the second end 160 having a removable tip 20. Assembly of the implement involves'manually inserting a male threaded end 70 of the flexible polymeric head 90 through the cap 60 and into a female threaded receiver 50. The female threaded receiver 50 inserts into the spring 40 until the receiver stop 130 contacts the spring 40. The cap 60 comprises female threads to allow the cap 60 to be threaded onto the male threaded end 120 of the implement body 10. The end of cap 60 that receives the cuticle pushing polymeric tip 90 has a hole that is larger in diameter than the left side of the receiver 50. This allows the cap to retain the receiver 50 and the cuticle pushing polymeric tip 90. When the user of the implement causes the cuticle pushing tip 90 to contact the cuticle the spring 40 compresses thereby reducing the mechanical compression that the user feels and reducing the potential for injury to the cuticle. The flexible sides 80 of the cuticle pushing tip 90 move with the natural contour of the nail. The opposite end 160 of the tool body 10 has a removable tip 20 having male threads 100. Opposite end 160 has female threads 100 to receive the removable cap 30 (as shown in FIG. 3). Cap 30 may be removed and any one of a number of tips 20 can be removably attached to end 160 of the tool body 10, each tip having a functionality as desired by the user that is useful in manicures or pedicures or a functionality (e.g., writing, drawing) not related to manicures or pedicures. The tool body 10 at end 160 may optionally have integrated gel pads (not shown) for ergonomic benefits when tip 20 is the active tip used in a manicure or pedicure procedure.

The gel pads that are integral with the body comprise smooth concavities (troughs) and convexities (bumps) adapted to optimize the ergonomics of the angular position of the fingers holding the body of the implement relative to the working area. Per the preferred embodiment, the diameter of the body is greater than that of prior art cuticle pushers. The diameter of the body of the implement may be adapted for optimal ergonomics of the angular position of the fingers holding the body relative to the working area. The choice of spring 40 (and associated spring stiffness) can be adjusted based on user preference.

FIG. 2 is a perspective of the preferred embodiment for the disclosed cuticle pusher in its assembled state.

FIG. 3 shows a removable cap 30 that may be optionally be attached to the second end of the disclosed manicurist tool 10. The purpose of the cap 30 is to cover and secure the second end 160 when a second tip 20 is not used with the disclosed cuticle pusher.

FIG. 4 shows the three-dimensional shape of the polymeric cuticle pushing tip 90 per the disclosed invention.

FIG. 5 shows a user's fingers resting on the gel pads 110 while holding the disclosed cuticle pusher implement 10. 

I claim:
 1. A manicurist tool comprising a body, a first end, and a second end, the body comprising one or more gel pads integral with the body, the gel pads having a shape adapted to promote an optimal ergonomic position for fingers of a user of the manicurist tool, the first end comprising an removably attached cuticle pushing tip comprising flexible sides, the cuticle pushing tip attached to a spring assembly removably attached to the body, the cuticle pushing tip constructed of a polymeric material.
 2. The manicurist tool per claim 1 wherein the second end comprises a removable cap.
 3. A manicurist tool comprising a body, a first end, and a second end, the body comprising one or more gel pads integral with the body, the gel pads having. a shape adapted to promote an optimal ergonomic position for fingers of a user of the manicurist tool, the first end comprising an attached cuticle pushing tip comprising flexible sides, the cuticle pushing tip attached to a spring assembly removably attached to the body, the cuticle pushing tip constructed of a polymeric material, the second end comprising a removably attached second tip, the second tip having utility in performing a nail procedure.
 4. The manicurist tool per claim 3 wherein the removably attached second tip comprises a nail brush.
 5. The manicurist tool per claim 3 wherein the removably attached second tip comprises a nail file.
 6. A manicurist tool comprising a body, a first end, and a second end, the body comprising one or more gel pads integral with the body, the gel pads haying a shape adapted to promote an optimal ergonomic position for fingers of a user of the manicurist tool, the first end comprising a removably attached cuticle pushing tip comprising flexible sides, the cuticle pushing tip removably attached to a spring assembly, the spring removably attached to the body, the user selecting desired tensile strength for a spring of the spring assembly, the cuticle pushing tip constructed of a polymeric material and capable of withstanding multiple sterilization procedures. 